Unicorns

What amazing acting, casting filming! Like directors filming capturing clues each other notice about new people. I was so uncomfortable watching these two talk, I was walking on eggshells when Aysha was, and got that feeling like any moment someone would catch the characters out when they take Lukes son to the fair. Invested in these characters. Theres a shocking scene where I was truly stunned ( did it really go there?!)I had to rewind to see that moment again and then just gripped by how two characters NEW to everything ( it seems) inch their way through through the Aftermath with themselves and their families. And chuffed with the ending.

From the writing to the directing to the acting, this was a phenomenal piece of cinema! A beautiful love story with the clash of worlds handled so beautifully it wasn't the usual clichéd nonsense. Absolute credit to the actors, especially Ben and Jason, they were incredible. Fully fleshed out characters that were flawed, damaged, believable and you couldn't help but root for them. All ensemble actors did they're job so beautifully as well, not a single weak link in the casting. Hats of to the Director for bringing this incredible story to life. And yes, I'm aware I keep saying incredible but that is just what this film was. Couldn't look away from start to finish. Well done to everyone involved.

Not enough media centres around the gaysian community, so this was very refreshing and juxtaposed against the world of a working class/white "macho" man - Unicorns was really effective. Maybe It could've been *more* effective, but that wasn't a necessity to make a good movie - I was just really intrigued in this clash of cultures that I wanted more.

Ben Hardy was brilliant imo. It's quite surprising that beyond X-Men Apocalypse he didn't really fly much higher in Hollywood, though maybe he actually is better suited in these indie-type gems.

Jason Patel was beautiful as Aysha/Ashiq. This is the first I've ever seen him, and he was captivating. I always struggle hearing my own local accents on movies (!) so I'll let others judge his acting haha. But I enjoyed his performance.

As I'm greedy, I think this would've been perfect as a mini series - but watch it!

It's not a mundane story about being gay and different cultures, it expresses more about identities. And the script and dialouge are not boring at all. Each character is hella interesting, I can't help but wish to figure out more about them. The right amount of angst throughout and to be honest, I was expecting a sad or maybe bizarre ending but no it has a satisfying one. I mean, I don't want be cliched but seriously though I'm not big fan of gloomy closures. The actors were great and I'm not just talking about two main leads, the supporting actors and actresses had also done their parts so well and naturally. The dancing, the costumes, the setting, I love them all. Overall it was such a fun watch.

Unicorns is a very authentic feeling queer love story that delivers two compelling lead characters with some great performances behind them.

The story carries a few surprises but for the most part is quite understated and poignant. What I really like is that it doesn't try to over complicate or explain things about sexuality. It just focuses on the characters and their relationship and it makes the queer element of it feel quite authentic and real.

There aren't too many bells or whistles to the film making, and it does feel a bit long for what it is. Those are minor criticisms though of what is an otherwise very poignant and intriguing film.